Earn up to 100,000 bonus points, collect more points as you spend and redeem them for flights and merchandise with a rewards credit card.
NAB Rewards Platinum Card
Receive 50,000 Bonus Points
when you take out a new
NAB Rewards Platinum Card
Offer ends 1 October 2017
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
Rewards Credit Card Offer
With a new NAB Rewards Platinum Card, get up to 110,000 bonus points.
- Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $2,500 on everyday purchases within the first 60 days of account opening.
- Get up to 60,000 additional points with 2 points/$1 on everyday purchases in the first 6 months (10K bonus points cap/month).
- Redeem bonus points for vouchers to use at Coles, BP, Bunnings, David Jones, GoodFood, JB Hi-Fi and more.
- Receive a range of complimentary insurance covers including overseas travel insurance and a 24/7 NAB Concierge Service.
Compare the Best Rewards Credit Cards* 2017
The finder.com.au best* rewards credit cards
Compare the features, bonus points and earn rate of the rewards cards below to see which one could help you maximise your points.
| Credit Card | Bonus Points | Points earnt per $1 spent |
|---|---|---|
| ANZ Rewards Platinum Credit Card | 50,000 | 1.5 |
| HSBC Platinum Qantas Credit Card | 60,000 | 1 |
| American Express Explorer® Credit Card | 100,000 | 2 |
| Citi Rewards Signature Credit Card | 75,000 | 1 |
How do credit card rewards programs work?
Rewards credit cards usually earn you points for every $1 spent on eligible transactions. When you have enough points, you can redeem them for rewards such as flights, travel upgrades, gift cards, cash back and merchandise.
Most rewards credit cards also have higher standard interest rates and annual fees that other options, because it costs credit card companies more money to offer a rewards program. This makes it important to compare the potential costs against the value of a rewards card so you can decide if the benefits are worth it.
What is an “eligible transaction”?
The definition of an “eligible transaction” can vary depending on the credit card and rewards program, but it generally covers most of your everyday purchases, including spending at retail stores, supermarkets and petrol stations. Common exclusions are government payments (including those to the ATO), BPAY transactions, cash advances, balance transfers and account fees and charges. Check the rewards program terms and conditions for a full list of exclusions so you know when you will and won’t earn rewards.
What rewards do credit cards offer?
The rewards you can get with a credit card depend on the card you choose and the rewards program. Some of the most popular reward categories include:
- Flights
- Flight upgrades
- Accommodation
- Gift cards
- Cashback
- Fuel vouchers
- Instant shopping discounts
- Fashion items
- Electronics
- Tickets to concerts and other events
How can I use my credit card rewards?
The steps required to use your points to redeem rewards varies depending on the credit card and the rewards program. But there are a few key factors to remember:
- Account login. You must log in to your credit card account or rewards program account to make redemptions. Once you’re logged in, it’s usually a simple process of going to the “Rewards” section, then selecting “Use points” and following the prompts.
- Required points. Every reward option available for redemption has a specific point value (e.g. 12,000 points for a $50 gift card). This means you need to have at least this amount of points in your account to redeem your chosen reward.
- Points-plus-pay. Some programs, such as CommBank Awards or Qantas Frequent Flyer, allow you to use a combination of points and money to redeem your chosen rewards. This gives you more flexibility if you haven’t earned enough points when you want to make redemptions.
Types of credit card rewards programs in Australia
There are a variety of different rewards credit cards you can compare and choose based on the benefits you want. These can be separated into four types of reward programs, which we’ve outlined below.
Frequent flyer programs
Frequent flyer programs are traditionally designed to earn you points and other benefits when you travel with a particular airline, such as Qantas or Virgin Australia. There are two main ways you can earn frequent flyer points with a rewards credit card in Australia:
- Direct earn frequent flyer credit cards. These cards are linked with a specific frequent flyer program and rewards are added directly to your airline loyalty account. The frequent flyer programs that are linked to direct earn credit cards in Australia include Qantas Frequent Flyer, Velocity Frequent Flyer and Emirates Skywards.
- Indirect earn frequent flyer credit cards. These rewards credit cards let you transfer the points you earn to many different frequent flyer programs from all around the world, giving you more flexibility if you fly with a range of airlines. Credit card reward programs that indirectly earn frequent flyer points include American Express Membership Rewards, ANZ Rewards, CommBank Awards and NAB Rewards.
Credit card rewards programs
Many credit card companies in Australia have their own branded rewards programs for customers. These options allow you to redeem points for a variety of rewards, including frequent flyer points travel, merchandise, gift cards and credit on your account. Some credit card rewards programs are:
Many of these rewards programs also offer auto-redemption for specific rewards, such as cash back, gift cards or frequent flyer points. For example, ANZ allows cardholders to opt in for auto-redemption through Virgin Australia’s Velocity program. With this option, all ANZ Rewards points are automatically transferred to your Velocity account annually, periodically or when you have earned a specific amount of ANZ Rewards points.
Other credit card companies offer instant redemptions with certain retailers. If you have a CommBank Awards credit card, for example, you can redeem your points in-store at Myer or Flight Centre.
Supermarket and retail reward programs
Some rewards credit cards earn points and offer other benefits at supermarkets and major retailers. We’ve outlined the most popular options in the table below.
| Retailer | Credit cards | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| David Jones | David Jones Storecard | Designed to be used exclusively in David Jones department stores. Choose between earning points for gift cards or Qantas points. Receive exclusive in-store benefits such as complimentary standard delivery, gift-wrapping and VIP invitations. |
| David Jones American Express | Earn Membership Rewards or Qantas Points for purchases in David Jones and everywhere else. Enjoy exclusive in-store benefits at David Jones. | |
| David Jones American Express Platinum Card | Earn Membership Rewards or Qantas Points for purchases in David Jones and everywhere else. Enjoy exclusive in-store benefits at David Jones, plus complimentary travel insurance and airport lounge access. | |
| Coles | Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard | Earn flybuys points per $1 spent. Free Coles Online delivery when you spend $100 or more with an eligible Coles Mastercard. |
| Coles Platinum No Annual Fee Mastercard | Earn flybuys points per $1 spent. Free Coles Online delivery when you spend $100 or more with an eligible Coles Mastercard. | |
| Coles Rewards Mastercard | Earn flybuys points per $1 spent. Free Coles Online delivery when you spend $100 or more with an eligible Coles Mastercard. | |
| Coles Platinum Rewards Mastercard | Earn flybuys points per $1 spent. Free Coles Online delivery when you spend $100 or more with an eligible Coles Mastercard. | |
| NAB | NAB flybuys Rewards Card | Earn flybuys points per $1 spent. Plus enjoy a platinum concierge service and complimentary travel insurance covers. |
| Woolworths | Woolworths Everyday Platinum Credit Card | Earn Woolworths points per $1 spent. Automatic redemption of points for Woolworths Gift Cards every 4 months. |
Cashback credit cards
These types of rewards cards add credit or “cash” to your account when you meet certain spending requirements. Most cashback credit cards offer a percentage of your total spend as cashback, or provide a one-off cashback sum as an introductory offer when you apply and are approved for a specific credit card. Currently, the bcu Rewards credit card is one of the only options to earn cashback for your eligible spending on an ongoing basis.
You can also get cash back through most of the frequent flyer, credit card and supermarket or retail rewards programs outlined above. Just choose the “cash” or “gift cards” category of your rewards program to see what options are available.
How to compare reward credit cards in Australia
Comparing credit cards helps you find the features that suit your lifestyle while also keeping costs affordable. Below, you’ll find a checklist of things to consider when you are comparing reward credit cards.
Earning points
- Points per dollar. The more points you earn per dollar spent, the greater the potential value. A good rule of thumb is to look for a card that offers at least 1 point per $1 for most transactions.
- Point expiry and caps. Some credit card reward points expire after a certain amount of time, and some accounts have a limit on how many points you can earn in a month or year.
- Bonus point offers. Reward credit cards often have sign up deals that give you hundreds or thousands of bonus points. Usually these offers require you to spend a certain amount of money on the card in the first few months you have it. As these offers only last for a limited time, they should only be considered after you have a clear idea of the type of card you want so that you can get the most value out of the deal and the rewards card you choose.
Redeeming points
- Points values. To work out the value of your rewards, consider how many points it would take to redeem. For example, if you need 12,000 points to get a $50 gift card and your credit card has an earn rate of 1 point per $1 spent, you would have to spend $12,000 make a redemption. Breaking down the rewards like this can help you determine whether it’s worth your time and money.
- Rewards partners. Rewards programs often partner with retailers and businesses to provide you with a wider range of redemption options. You may also have the opportunity to earn bonus points when you shop with partner stores. Choose a credit card rewards program that has partnerships with your favourite brands and products so you can take advantage of these options.
- Redemption limitations. Some reward programs have blackout periods when you may not be able to make redemptions. Check the fine print for this information and consider the impact it could have on you.
Rates and fees
- Annual fees. Most rewards credit cards charge an annual fee. The value of the rewards you earn should be equal to or more than the annual fee of a credit card.
- Foreign transaction fees. Most credit cards apply a charge for transactions made overseas or with an international retailer online, usually worth 2% to 3.5% of the total transaction. Make sure you consider this fee before choosing a card – especially for any rewards card that offers more points for foreign transactions. You can compare cards with no foreign transaction fees with this guide.
- Purchase rates. Rewards credit cards often have high standard interest rates. If you think you’ll carry a balance, consider how much interest your purchases will accrue and whether the rewards will outweigh the cost of your repayments.
- Balance transfer rates. Some balance transfer credit cards also come with rewards. These cards allow you to move an existing debt to the new card and pay a low introductory interest rate on the balance. Usually, you won't earn points for the balance that you transfer, and any new purchases will be charged interest at the purchase rate from the time the transaction is made. If you have credit card debt, it may be better to focus on paying it off completely before considering a rewards card.
- Cash advance rate. If you use a rewards credit card for a cash advance transaction, such as getting money from an ATM, you will be charged interest at the cash advance rate, which could be as high as 22% p.a. Cash advances usually don't earn reward points either.
- Other fees. Rewards credit cards may come with a range of other fees, such as late payment and overlimit charges. Make sure you check these costs and factor them into your comparison so that you can choose a card that is affordable for you.
Complimentary extras
Rewards credit cards often come with a variety of additional features that can add value to the account you choose. Popular perks include:
- International travel insurance
- Airport lounge access
- Complimentary flights
- Hotel stays
- Purchase protection insurance
- Extended warranty coverage
- Price match guarantees
- Concierge services
Will a rewards credit card work for me?
The value of a rewards credit card depends as much on the cardholder as the actual card you choose. So rather than making a definitive statement about whether or not reward credit cards are valuable or expensive, let’s take a look at the key factors that make them likely or unlikely to work for you.
A reward credit card could be ideal if you:
- Pay off your credit card balance in full every month
- Currently use a credit card on a regular basis
- Have a clear idea of the type of points you want to earn
- Are part of an existing reward program that could be complemented by a credit card (i.e. a frequent flyer program or shopping reward program)
- Earn enough to pay a high annual fee
- Can regularly make use of the rewards or complimentary extras on the card, such as insurance
A reward credit card might not be right if you:
- Have a lot of credit card debt
- Often carry a balance on your credit card
- Rarely use a credit card
- Won’t be able to regularly use complimentary extras on the card
- Can’t afford a higher annual fee
It’s worth noting that there are some exceptions to the guidelines above. If you can’t afford a high annual fee, for example, you might still get a lot of value out of a reward credit card with no annual fee. On the other hand, if you regularly use a credit card but also have a lot of debt, it might be better to switch to a balance transfer or low interest rate credit card so that you get value out of paying less interest.
While rewards credit cards can be a useful way to get something back for your purchases, it’s important to remember that you have to repay everything (plus interest). There are also annual fees and other costs to consider. But by factoring in both benefits and costs when you compare reward credit cards, you can find an option that suits your needs.
Frequently asked questions
How can I view and manage my points?
Most rewards programs allow you to to view your points through an online account centre. Usually you need a membership number or username and password to log in. Once you’ve logged in, you should be able to view your points and redeem them for the desired rewards.
Can I convert my points to frequent flyer points or rewards with another issuer?
Some credit card reward programs allow you to transfer points to frequent flyer programs, including American Express Membership Rewards, Citi Rewards and Westpac Altitude Rewards. Other reward programs, such as Qantas Frequently Flyer, Virgin Velocity or Coles flybuys, let you earn and redeem points with partnered airlines and organisations. Read the terms and conditions or contact your rewards program provider directly to confirm where else you can earn and use your points.
How many points will I need for a particular item or flight?
The number of points you need depends on your credit card and the reward/s you want to redeem. For flights, most frequent flyer programs have a points calculator available on their website. If you enter your preferred route and ticket status, the calculator can determine how many points you’ll need to cover the flight.
In regards to other types of rewards, most programs have an online catalogue that allows you to browse the rewards on offer and see how many points you need to redeem them.
I've redeemed a reward with my points, but now I've changed my mind. Can I refund my points?
This will depend on the credit card, but generally you can’t refund rewards or points once the transaction has been made.
How do I know which rewards program or rewards credit card is for me?
As a financial comparison service, we don’t recommend any specific products. Instead, we provide you with the information you need to make an informed comparison and decision. When comparing rewards credit cards, consider your spending habits to determine whether the rewards you’ll receive will outweigh the costs of the card.
I spend and pay off in full about 25K per month of normal spending on my Citi Signature card which since the 1st July 2017 have at best halved their reward points which I use for Qantas flights.
What is the best card now for me to get the most points for my spend per month, ie who is dollar for dollar and uncapped
Hi Kym,
Thank you for your inquiry.
While we cannot recommend what is best for you, we can offer you a general information. You can use this quick video tutorial guide to review and compare the offers that will best fit your personal requirements.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
Since the rules for the credit card reward points that you earn are changing as of the 1st July 2017, what would be the best rewards card that you can earn points for make payments to the ATO? Currently have a Westpac Altitude Rewards card and this is changing from 1st of July 2017 where you no longer receive points for ATO payments.
Hi Maz,
Thanks for your comment.
Please click this page to find out which credit cards let you earn points when making payments to the ATO. Compare the credit cards that earn points for tax payments and after you’re done comparing, click the “Go to Site” button to be redirected to the banks website to apply.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
I was hoping you could crunch the numbers and let me know the best value reward credit card available.
I currently have a Jetstar Platinum MasterCard
Spending approx $60k pa
I receive 2 points per dollar (2%) return
1 point = $1 when redeemed so about $1200 only catch is have to use as Jetstar flights.
Annual fee is $49 + additional card $39 so $88 annual fee
Can you suggest a card to offer me better value or the same that has more flexible rewards.
Many thanks
Alan
Hi Alan,
Thank you for your inquiry.
For your additional options to compare you may want to consider this options.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
Need a replacement card as mine is almost beyond being usable
Hi Brian,
Thanks for your comment.
May I know what type of card you are currently holding so I can assist you?
Alternatively, you can also try logging into your account on your bank’s website and check if there is a feature for requesting replacement cards.
Cheers,
Anndy
I wish to be sent a new rewards card as mine is the old style & I was informed that the old style card will become extinct shortly.
I will send my address when I hear from you.
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for your comment.
You have come through to finder.com.au we are an Australian financial comparison website and general information service and is not a credit card company.
I’m afraid you’ll need to contact your card issuer directly to request for a replacement of your old rewards card.
I apologise I couldn’t be of more help.
Regards,
May
How do i access my savings
Hi Ejay,
Thanks for your question.
To allow us to assist you further could you please state which credit card you are using?
Cheers,
Ysa
Hi,
Which provider is the most beneficial for us clients ?
We accumulate a lot of points however with the current provider we need to redeem a lot of points (which I believe is extremely excessive)in order to receive.
Example 500,000 points gets you 2 return tickets to Europe
Hi Steve,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Kindly note that finder.com.au is an online comparison service and is not in a position to recommend specific products, issuers, and services.
Also, it highly depends on your personal situation and needs. It would still be best to compare the different options available to ensure that you choose the most ideal product for you.
That said, you may want to take a look at the credit card options provided on the upper portion of this page or consider the options on the following pages:
Sign-Up Bonus Credit Cards
Qantas Frequent Flyer Credit Cards
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Ally
How do I apply for a card for Cole’s please.
Hi,
Thanks for your inquiry.
To apply for Coles credit card, kindly go through this page.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Debbie
Hi, what is a good Visa corporate credit card for a small business that has a great reward points program that can be used to book fares on multiple airlines (and not linked to one sole airline such as Qantas or Velocity), ideally uncapped points, good conversion ratio, low annual charges?
Thanks
Chris
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Please note that finder.com.au is an online comparison service and is unable to recommend specific products. If you would like to compare a range of corporate credit cards, please visit this page. Cards can be compared on reward points earnings rates, annual charges and other features.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Which cards do not cap their points?
Hi Jeffrey, thank you for your question.
For your reference, please refer to the links below for credit cards with uncapped points:
Rewards Credit Card Comparison: Uncapped Rewards Points Earning.
Uncapped Frequent Flyer Credit Cards with No Points Capping & No Points Expiry.
I hope this helps.
Thanks,
Jonathan